March 14, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) issued a statement today announcing the award of a C$388,000 amendment to a Health Canada contribution agreement for the development and implementation of a pilot internationally educated nurses (IENs) mentorship training program.
The amendment adds activities to a contribution agreement awarded to CASN in February 2023 in support of Canadian research and development of a national Nurse Residency Program (NRP) designed to support integration of nursing graduates into health care delivery, creating a more sustainable workforce.
Through the amendment, CASN will develop a companion program for IENs that will facilitate the training of experienced nurses to mentor IEN nursing mentees during their transition into the Canadian health care workforce. Activities will include establishing an IEN advisory committee, developing learning outcomes and a content framework, creating workshops and modules, producing document packages, implementing the pilot, and evaluating the program.
“Like CASN’s Nurse Residency Program, the IEN Mentorship Program will be delivered through partnerships with health care agencies. It will support the retention and integration of IENs in Canada’s health care workforce by reducing transition stress and culture shock. The IEN mentorship program offers a cost-effective solution that will help health care agencies achieve appropriate staffing levels and decrease costs related to human resources,” said Cynthia Baker, Executive Director, CASN.
For more information on the IEN Mentorship Program, please contact Don Flaming (dflaming@casn.ca).
About the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing
The Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing is the national voice for nursing education, research, and scholarship and represents baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs across Canada. CASN’s mission is to lead nursing education and nursing scholarship in the interest of healthier Canadians.
About Health Canada
Health Canada is the federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, while respecting individual choices and circumstances. Health Canada’s goal is for Canada to be among the countries with the healthiest people in the world. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.
For more information:
Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing
Telephone: (613) 235-3150
Email: press@casn.ca
Website: www.casn.ca
